Rollover Crash on Highway 76 in Ellington Leaves Appleton Man with Life-Threatening Injuries

In the early hours of Saturday, November 16, 2024, a severe single-vehicle accident occurred in Outagamie County, resulting in life-threatening injuries to a 29-year-old Appleton man. The incident took place around 1:30 a.m. near the intersection of State Highway 76 and Immel Road in the Town of Ellington. According to the Outagamie County Sheriff's Office, the crash was initially reported through an automated crash detection system. The driver was traveling northbound on WIS 76 when his vehicle failed to navigate a turn near Immel Road, resulting in the vehicle leaving the roadway, striking a ditch, and rolling multiple times. Emergency responders found the driver trapped in the wreckage, necessitating a technical extrication operation. Following the successful extrication, the victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Location and Infrastructure

The accident occurred on a critical stretch of State Highway 76, a major north-south corridor in Outagamie County that connects smaller communities to the Appleton metropolitan area. The intersection with Immel Road is situated in a rural section of the Town of Ellington, approximately 10 miles northwest of Appleton. This segment of Highway 76 features several challenging curves and is known for reduced visibility during nighttime hours. The area is predominantly agricultural, with scattered residential properties and farm access points along the highway. Standard rural highway traffic controls are in place, including reflective signage and curve warnings. The posted speed limit in this area typically ranges from 55-65 mph, with reduced speeds recommended for curves.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Wisconsin law, victims of single-vehicle accidents may have various avenues for compensation, particularly through their personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and other applicable insurance policies. Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence system, which can affect recovery in cases involving multiple factors. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Wisconsin is three years from the date of the accident, making timely action crucial. Potential compensation may include coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation costs. Insurance considerations should include medical payments coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, and collision coverage. Victims or their families should consider consulting with a personal injury attorney to understand their rights and options under Wisconsin law. An Outagamie County personal injury attorney will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources

Emergency Services

• Outagamie County Sheriff's Office: (920) 832-5000
• Ellington Fire Department: (920) 757-5811
• ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton: (920) 731-4101

Traffic Safety Resources

• Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Safety Programs
• Outagamie County Highway Department
• Wisconsin State Patrol Northeast Region

Support Services

• Wisconsin Department of Justice Victim Resource Center
• MADD Wisconsin Chapter
• Brain Injury Alliance of Wisconsin

Legal References

• Wisconsin State Legislature Transportation Code (Chapter 340-349)
• Wisconsin Department of Transportation Crash Reports
• Wisconsin Civil Court System